From Nadal's mentorship to Alcaraz's advice: How Landaluce is set to rise in 2025

NextGenATP's rising star, Martin Landaluce, sits back in his chair at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, a smile spreading across his face as he gazes out at the running track. The 18-year-old Spaniard is in Saudi Arabia as an alternate for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, reflecting on a breakthrough season that saw him claim his first ATP Challenger Tour title and notch up his maiden ATP Tour match win.

As Landaluce prepares for the next chapter of his journey — heading to Canberra, Australia to kick off his 2025 season — the moment in Jeddah offers him a chance to reflect on his incredible rise in the sport, a journey intertwined with the legacy of tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

Growing up in Madrid, tennis was more than a passion for Landaluce; it was a family affair. His father, Alejandro, still competes on the ITF Seniors Tour and tennis has been a constant presence in Martin’s life since before he could walk. As a toddler, he’d practise with his mother, Elena, in the doubles alley, while his siblings, Lucas and Alejandra, took lessons from their father. Afterward, Martin would spend time hitting with his dad for a few minutes —long enough to ignite a lifelong love for the game.

It didn’t take long for Martin’s talent to shine through. By the time he was nine, he was already competing in junior events, and by 14, he was considered one of Spain’s brightest young talents. That was the same year Landaluce found himself stepping into Nadal’s world.

“I grew up watching Rafa, and we’d talk about him at home, discussing his matches at the dinner table,” Landaluce said. “When I was eight or nine, I was glued to the TV, watching his every match. Then, at 14, I hit with him for the first time. It was unbelievable, stepping on court with someone I had idolised for years. It was incredibly inspiring.”

For many young players, the prospect of hitting with Nadal could be nerve-wracking. But not for Landaluce. His excitement and awe overshadowed any nerves during their first practice session at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in 2020.

“It was pure excitement,” Landaluce said with a grin. “I don’t usually get nervous in those situations. But hitting with Rafa was something else. His power, his consistency, it was like nothing I’d ever seen. For the first 10 minutes, he doesn’t care if he misses, but then after that, he doesn’t miss a single shot for the next hour. Every ball is hit with perfect depth, just a meter or two over the net. It was incredible.”

Nadal’s impact went beyond just his playing ability. The Spaniard has become a mentor to Landaluce, offering valuable advice and continuing to guide him through the ups and downs of the professional tour.

“I’m very grateful for everything Rafa has done for me,” Landaluce added. “He’s given me so much advice, and I’ve learned a lot from him. It’s been amazing to spend time with him.”

While Nadal remains a towering figure in Spanish tennis, 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz has emerged as the next face of the sport. Landaluce, however, finds Alcaraz just as approachable and supportive as Nadal. The two have forged a bond over the years and have trained together.

“I have a really good relationship with Carlos,” Landaluce says. “We’ve been in contact for years and have the same manager. When I first met him, I was amazed by how down-to-earth he was. It was at the Masters 1000 in Madrid and everyone wanted to take photos with him, but he was just so relaxed. It really struck me how normal he was. He’s an amazing guy, and I think that’s part of the reason he’s been so successful. We hit together for the first time in Madrid in 2022 when I was doing sparring.”

Landaluce’s own career has been a steady climb. After winning the 2022 US Open Boys' singles title, he took another giant leap in March 2024 with his first ATP Tour win at the Masters 1000 event in Miami, where he triumphed over Jaume Munar in three- sets.

“It was an amazing feeling to win in Miami,” said Landaluce, who had his family courtside cheering him on. “My siblings, who study in the US, came to watch, and my parents were there too. It was such a special moment to share with them. I was pretty nervous during the match, but I managed to pull it off. And then I had the chance to play against Ben Shelton. It was an unforgettable week.”

The Miami victory proved to be a catalyst for Landaluce, who continued to build momentum throughout the year. After reaching semi-finals at several ATP Challenger events, the Spaniard captured his first Challenger title in October in Olbia, Italy. It wasn’t an easy win, though, with the Spaniard battling through illness all week.

“It was a tough week physically, I was really sick with the flu,” Landaluce admitted. “But I had to adjust my game to cope with it. I couldn’t rely on my usual energy, so I focused on being solid and consistent. Despite everything, I played at a high level and managed to win the title. It was mentally challenging, but it showed me how to adapt and overcome obstacles.”

_{^{Martin Landaluce in Jeddah. Photo: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour}}
Away from the court, Landaluce is just as passionate about finding balance in his life. He’s learned to disconnect from tennis through hobbies like learning guitar, boxing, listening to music and even rapping with his family. His diverse interests help him recharge and maintain focus when he’s back on the court.

“I try to do a lot of things outside of tennis,” Landaluce said. “I’m learning the guitar, I love listening to music, and I like dancing with my family. I also enjoy reading and trying new things, like snorkeling. I think it helps me stay focused and brings me joy, which ultimately makes me a better player.”

As the 2025 season approaches, Landaluce’s week in Jeddah is an opportunity to fine-tune his game and learn from his fellow #NextGenATP stars at an event that Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Stefanos Tsitsipas have all won.

“It’s a huge motivation to be here, practising with these incredible players,” Landaluce said. “It’s an honour to be part of this group. I’m enjoying every moment and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.”

With his unwavering drive, maturity beyond his years, and the support of some of the greatest players, Landaluce is ready to make his mark on the sport in 2025 and beyond.